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South Africa Talks Climate: The Public Understanding of Climate Change

Lucy Neville et al.

London: BBC World Service Trust; British Council (2010), 35 pp.

"Between August and October 2009, the BBC World Service Trust’s Research and Learning Group, funded by the British Council, conducted research in south africa to gauge public understanding of climate change. The research consisted of 16 focus group discussions with south african citizens, and 18 i ... more

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Nigeria Talks Climate: The Public Understanding of Climate Change

Susan Cooke, Anu Mohammed (comps.)

London: BBC World Service Trust; British Council (2010), 27 pp.

"From May to September 2008, The BBC World Service Trust’s research and Learning group, on behalf of the British Council, conducted research in Nigeria to gauge public understanding of climate change. The research consisted of 24 focus-group discussions with Nigerian citizens, as well as 31 in-dep ... th interviews with opinion leaders from government, religious institutions, the private sector, the media and civil society. The overall objective was to find out what people think about climate change, and how to tailor communication and media strategies to support Nigeria’s response to climate change. Key findings Most Nigerians do not understand the science of climate change. They have, however, noticed changes in the weather and seasons. They tell of unusual changes in rainfall patterns, increases in temperature and the worsening of existing environmental problems. Most people do not connect these with global climate change. People in Nigeria are keenly aware of environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources. However, they make little distinction between this degradation and climate change. There is low awareness of the concepts of climate change and global warming among the Nigerian public. Many understand climate change to mean changes in the weather or seasons. Opinion leaders agree the general public has very low awareness of climate change concepts and terminology. There is a strong tendency among Nigerians to hold themselves individually and collectively responsible for local changes in the environment and the weather. There is little awareness that climatic problems – now or in the future – are likely to have causes that extend beyond Nigeria. Nigerians draw on existing knowledge and beliefs to explain the effects of climate change. For example, many think that deforestation in their local area reduces local rainfall, and some incorrectly believe that smoke from cars, bush fires and factories damages the ozone layer, making it hotter. There is a strong connection between faith and environmental stewardship in Nigeria; many people see changes in the weather as the will of god, and religious leaders emphasise humans’ duty of care to god’s creation." (Executive summary) more

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Africa Talks Climate: The Public Understanding of Climate Change in Ten Countries

Dan Hancox

London: BBC World Service Trust (2010), 19 pp.

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Tanzania Talks Climate: The Public Understanding of Climate Change

Ed Pauker, Mercy Kimaro, Jimmy Innes

London: BBC World Service Trust; British Council (2010), 27 pp.

"From August to October 2009, the BBC World Service Trust’s Research and Learning group, on behalf of the British Council, conducted research in Tanzania to gauge public understanding of climate change. The research consisted of 12 focus-group discussions with Tanzanian citizens, as well as 17 in- ... more